Konami Wins Yu-Gi-Oh! Battle against Upper Deck Overseas

The Amsterdam Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Konami Digital Entertainment in appeal proceedings against Upper Deck International (UDI) over distribution of Yu-Gi-Oh! products. Upper Deck had requested a preliminary injunction to compel Komani to accept Upper Deck as its exclusive distributor for Europe, Oceania and Latin America. On April 7, the Court of Appeal rejected those claims.

Under the terms of the court’s preliminary ruling, the distribution agreement between Konami and Upper Deck was rightfully terminated as of Dec. 12, 2008. According to Konami, Upper Deck is no longer the authorized distributor of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG for all of Europe, Oceania and Latin American territories.

“This is a terrific victory for the legions of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Duelists worldwide,” noted Kunio Neo, president of Konami Digital Entertainment. “Managing all aspects of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG business directly not just in Asia and North America, but globally, will allow Konami Digital Entertainment to strengthen and protect the integrity of the brand throughout the world.”